Denise Rector

Reflections on the roots and possibilities of spirituality “with” Luther.

Article based on a public lecture, on Luther’s radical read on the matriarchs and their theological role.

Four “Theological Themes” Entries

Referring to her own experience teaching in Roman Catholic universities and with ecumenical relations and dialogue, LaHurd examines the significance for Lutherans of the papacy of John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger’s 2005 election as Pope Benedict XVI. Also considered are magisterial theology and the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.

The essay compares and contrasts the stories and significance of the Abraham figure in the scripture and traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and proposes how Abraham can be both a divisive and unifying factor for contemporary dialogue and relations.

In contrast to popular misunderstandings of Islamic principles of warfare and of the concept of jihad, the article examines the layers of meaning of “peace” in Islam and the classical rules for external warfare in Islamic scripture and tradition.